MANILA - The Commission on Elections reprimanded members of the media on Monday for their disorderly conduct at the start of the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy at the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila.

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista said some members of the media violated certain regulations in their haste to capture footage of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs).

Bautista said the poll body designated an area outside the Palacio de Gobernador where candidates may entertain questions from the media after filing their COCs. Journalists, however, failed to follow the rule as Vice President Jejomar Binay and running mate Senator Gregorio 'Gringo' Honasan II filed their respective COCs.

"What would happen before is once a candidate files a certificate of candidacy, immediately, media would pounce on him or her. What we did was to look for a place at the back where the media and the candidate could have a proper interview area," Bautista said.

"But unfortunately, some of the cameras here did not follow instructions and again, they immediately tried to get footage."

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez also reportedly scolded photographers and cameramen for their disorderly conduct at Binay and Honasan's scheduled press conference after the COC filing. The group pressed against the barriers of the designated area, took up space for the candidates and thus delayed the conference.

Bautista hopes that disorder will be lessened on Tuesday.

"There was a bit of disorder. But the again, it's first day jitters. Hopefully, we will get better tomorrow," the Comelec chief said.

The Comelec earlier urged candidates to limit the entourage they will bring inside the Comelec office. The candidates' supporters may instead view the COC filing through a live feed which will projected on two widescreens outside the Comelec office, Bautista said.

The Comelec is in close coordination with the Metro Manila Development Authority and Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure security in the area. -- With a report from Dexter Ganibe, radio dzMM